LAB REVIEW

The Traktor S2 is recommended for those who want a simple but powerful controller setup. If you want to plug in your controller and get to mixing without much fuss or the need for external add-ons, the S2 is for you. Now in its second iteration, Native Instruments has maintained the S2's core functionality and upgraded the hardware and build quality (particularly in the most-used components: the jog wheels, crossfader, and cue buttons). Native Instruments has also added compatibility with its two more recent innovations (Traktor DJ app and Flux Mode).

The S2 emulates a traditional DJ setup: 2 channel mixer, 2 deck control, high quality jog wheels (like a CDJ), numerous control knobs, color-coded trigger buttons, and a perfected, intuitive design. In addition, the S2 has the strong advantage over its counterparts in that it was designed in harmony with Traktor Pro (included), for a superior integration of hardware and software (aka user-friendliness).

In addition to its impressive base features, the S2 delivers the high-end extras including a high quality 24/96khz audio interface with the same quality and design as their award-winning sound cards. The high-end AD/DA converters (audio to digital conversion) and the hi-gain balanced 1/4" TRS outputs (better sound quality than RCAs) are the same ones found on Native Instruments' flagship S4 controller.

Turntable Lab highly recommends the Native Instruments Traktor S2 MK2 for all levels of DJing, all genres of music.